Definition

Noun: A close-fitting garment, typically made of neoprene rubber, designed to be worn by a person in cold water. Its primary function is to retain body heat by trapping a thin layer of water between the suit and the skin, which is then warmed by the body.

Usage and Examples

A wet suit is a specialized piece of equipment for aquatic activities in cool or cold water. - The diver put on his wet suit before jumping into the chilly ocean. - Surfers often wear a wet suit to stay warm during winter sessions. - The permeability of the material allows water to enter and be warmed, providing insulation.

Advanced Usage

• "To don a wet suit": To put on a wet suit.
  • We need to don our wet suits before the water safety briefing.
• "A full/steamer wet suit": A wet suit that covers the torso, arms, and legs.
  • For diving in these temperatures, a full wet suit is essential.
• "A shorty wet suit": A wet suit with short sleeves and legs.
  • She wore a shorty wet suit for surfing in the milder summer water.

Variants and Related Words

• Dry suit (noun): An impermeable suit that keeps the wearer completely dry, used in very cold water.
• Neoprene (noun): The synthetic rubber material most commonly used to make wet suits.
• Rash guard (noun): A lightweight, close-fitting garment worn for protection from sun and abrasion, not for thermal insulation like a wet suit.

Synonyms

• Diving suit (though this can also refer to heavier equipment)
• Exposure suit (a more technical term encompassing various protective garments)

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Wet suit booties: Neoprene boots worn with a wet suit.
• Wet suit gloves: Neoprene gloves worn with a wet suit.
• Wet suit hood: A neoprene hood worn for additional head insulation.

Noun

1. a close-fitting garment made of a permeable material; worn in cold water (as by skin divers) to retain body heat